What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist, Water Quality - (26-WQ&T-813012-069) position at DC Water Candidate Experience site?
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.
| General |
| Job Title: | Specialist, Water Quality | Job Code: | P0120 |
| Supervises Directly: | No | ||
| New or Revised: | Revised | Regular or At-Will: | At-Will |
| Date: | 3/9/2026 | Exempt or Non-Exempt: | Exempt |
| Compensation Approval Signature: | Union/ Non-Union: | Non-Union | |
Division: Department Name | Operations Water-Quality and Technology | Salary Schedule: | Non-Union Salary Range |
| Cost Center Code: | 813012 | Grade: | NU15 |
| Essential Position: | Yes | Reports To: | Director, Water Quality and Technology |
| EEO Code: | Professionals | Work Format | In-Person |
| Who We Are & What We Do: |
At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.
| Role Description: |
The Specialist, Water Quality position supports drinking water quality throughout the District of Columbia with a broad range of responsibilities including field work, customer communication, providing data analytics and GIS mapping support, research, and interagency information coordination. Assignments are developed principally through the needs of the Branch and the operating and maintenance requirements of the water distribution system.
| Essential Duties & Responsibilities: |
- Develops, implements, and coordinates technical and administrative procedures to support the drinking water quality monitoring programs.
- Coordinates with departments within DC Water and Agencies such as Washington Aqueduct and Department of Health regarding water quality data, monitoring programs, equipment and supplies, public communication, among other drinking water quality related tasks.
- Uses mapping software to analyze spatial data and design digital maps.
- Develops plans for field technicians to flush and investigate valves related to water quality issues. Recommends distribution system upgrades, such as water main replacement, installation of flushing stations, fire hydrant locations, and main shut-offs schedule within the system.
- In emergencies, coordinates responses or actions to mitigate water quality issues, which may include communication to other Water Services managers, identification of affected areas, recommendation of isolation, and estimation of water quality effects.
- Resolves water quality problems associated with system activities such as water main breaks, low pressure, and valve operations, as well as those associated with water supply and emerging contaminants. Response may include data analysis, internet research, GIS analysis, historic document or drawings research, and verbal and written communication.
- Collects samples from hydrants and inside buildings throughout the District of Columbia using proper sampling methods and equipment. Coordinates sampling with customers and Washington Aqueduct.
- Conducts field and bench analysis for water quality parameters such as pH, hardness, total chlorine, fluoride, conductivity, etc.
- Operates DC Water vehicles as an essential function of the position. Maintains vehicles and/or equipment in a clean and orderly manner. Reports any operating deficiencies to the appropriate personnel.
- Incumbent is subject to being placed on call during hours and schedule identified by DC Water.
- Performs other duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the Manager, Water Quality.
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Key Working Relationships: Interacts with co-workers in the department and throughout DC Water, customers, other government agencies, and professional organizations.
| Skills & Qualifications: |
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.
Required Skills & Qualifications
| Required Experience: |
Two (2) years of progressive experience in review and analysis of water and water quality related programs or equivalent combination of education and experience. |
| Minimum Education Requirements: |
| Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field from an accredited university or college. |
| Required Skills: |
| Skill in communicating, orally and in writing. |
| Ability to multi-task and work during emergency situations. |
| Ability to plan and conduct analytical studies and perform data analysis using data analytic tools/software. |
| Ability to read maps, blueprints, and create databases and reports. |
| Ability to work independently with limited supervision. |
| Required Licenses & Certifications: |
| Must possess and maintain current a valid Motor Vehicle Operating License. |
| Physical Requirements: |
| General office and lab conditions. Some field work required, which may involve hydrant opening. May be required to report to work or provide advice on how to handle after-hour emergencies over the telephone. |
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
| Preferred Experience: |
| N/A |
| Preferred Education Requirements: |
| N/A |
| Preferred Skills: |
| Ability to generate maps using mapping software, such as ARCGIS or GIS Pro. |
*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
| Your Experience at DC Water: |
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
- Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.
- Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and well-being.
- Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.
- Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities.” If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email complianceada@dcwater.com.